Zodiac stucco of Ponza

The New Mithraeum

20 Aug 2021

Updated on May 2026

TNMM 335

The zodiac consists of three concentric zones, whose boundaries are marked, as is also the centre point. The outermost zone carries the signes, represented in the usual fashion. In the middle zone is a snake which Vermaseren identifies with the constellation of Draco […]. In the inmost zone are two bears which represent — the identification is here indisputable — the constellations Ursa Major and Ursa Minor. Lastly, outside the outermost ring are two figures which probably represent wind-gods, one of which is blowing on a long horn.

References

Roger Beck (1976) ‘Interpreting the Ponza Zodiac’. Journal of Mithraic Studies, 1(1) 1–19.

Comments

Dominique PERSOONS

Souls enter Cancer and follow the cycle of the moon passing in front of the altar. They continue to the right and exit in Sagittarius where they are greeted by a piper. In the South-East, pure souls enter Capricorn and follow the cycle of the sun to exit into Gemini and migrate towards the gods. the mithraeum is oriented upside down, west-east. But with Taurus in the North and Scorpio in the South, the Zodiac is almost in normal position, only shifted by two signs.The figure on the left runs with arms raised towards Gemini. It is a soul in the cycle of resurrection which will ascend to Heaven.

TNMM 335

References

Comments

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Mitreo di Ponza